Hundreds of dead birds wash ashore in avian flu surge

High numbers of dead, sick or injured birds, notably gannets, are being found on the east coast and in Shetland
High numbers of dead, sick or injured birds, notably gannets, are being found on the east coast and in Shetland
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES GLOSSOP

Hundreds of dead seabirds are washing up on Scottish shorelines after a suspected avian flu outbreak in wild populations.

High numbers of dead, sick or injured birds, notably gannets, are being found on the eastern coast and in Shetland. Experts at the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, said it was unusual for such large numbers to be ill or for carcasses to wash ashore.

About 100 birds have been found dead on Bass Rock, near North Berwick, which is home to the world’s largest colony of northern gannets. Four birds will be tested for a highly pathogenic avian influenza that had been identified in other parts of Scotland. Public health experts say that the risk to human health is very low.

Susan Davies, chief executive